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Orange County, CA: Perfect weather, lots of activities, geographic variety, beaches, mountains, bike paths, tennis, golf, medical facilities, cultural variety, every type of restaurant known to man.
I'd start with a place where you don't need a car, and where the neighborhood has enough going on that you can have a small residence but still have plenty to do.
#1 issue is that is where 75% of the family is located.
#2 issue is the availability of good quality medical care and Columbus, Ohio certainly has some of the best in the world. Not far away is Cleveland Clinic which for me is 155 miles and takes 2 1/2 hours.
I know, January, February and March sucks and I am wondering if I can rent a studio apartment or condo for those months in a warmer place?
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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None of the above...
None of the cities listed have moderate climate' (not requiring AC or much heat)
Climate is one of my TOP priorities to really enjoy my retirement activities.
Many on your list are very high tax and low QoL. And pretty high food costs (not close to food production).
How would you like this place WTSHTF? (possible in the next 40 yrs and tough to move while on a budget once you land)
Seems if you are living on a 'tight' budget...
1st look to:
Sustainable community.
Available senior programs (free lunches, services, transportation, recreation, classes,,,)
Subsidized 'Housing'
Subsidized Health care / public access to free HC clinics
Public transportation
Walkable
A very 'healthy' location. (for you and others)
Desirable spot for you (into the future)
Strictly Cost based is not usually a great idea.
Consider a 'comprehensive' decision process.
I made a weighted spreadsheet and my top 3 retirement places were immediately weeded out. Darn! but as I considered why they failed the 'means test', it was a very good idea to consider NOT choosing them as a LT destination.
Note... Your requirements and desires will likely be far different than anyone else's list. (That is a good thing!)
What non-cost of living criteria do you have besides a city larger than 150,000?
Only that it be a medium to large-ish city with a low COL and be conducive to retirement.
I choose one city from each state that fit the first two criteria.
You should just scratch Shreveport off the list.Look at the Tri Cities in wa state no state tax great weather good bus transportation If your a senior you can use dial a ride for free drop off and pick up anywhere in the Tri Cities.
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